Nentawe Yilwatda biography reveals his age, wife Dr. Martina Yilwatda, son, career journey from academic to APC National Chairman, net worth, ministerial role, and achievements.
Contents
- 1 Who is Nentawe Yilwatda?
- 2 Quick Facts About Nentawe Yilwatda
- 3 Early Life and Family Background
- 4 Education: Building Academic Excellence
- 5 Professional Career: From Academia to Politics
- 6 Electoral Commission Service (2017-2021)
- 7 Political Career: Governor
- 8 Ministerial Appointment (October 2024)
- 9 APC National Chairman (July 2025)
- 10 Career Timeline & Major Milestones
- 11 Personal Life: Family and Faith
- 12 Philanthropy and Community Development
- 13 Professional Memberships and Affiliations
- 14 Net Worth and Financial Profile
- 15 Legacy and Impact
- 16 Controversies and Challenges
- 17 Interesting Facts About Nentawe Yilwatda
- 18 Conclusion
- 19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Nentawe Yilwatda?
Nentawe Yilwatda biography tells the inspiring story of a Nigerian engineer, academic, and politician who rose from humble beginnings in Plateau State to become one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures. Currently serving as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling political party, his journey represents dedication, excellence, and transformative leadership.
Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda emerged as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in July 2025, replacing Abdullahi Ganduje, the former Kano State governor, who stepped down citing health issues. Before this appointment, he served as Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction from October 2024.
Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, he comes from a religious family, being the son of the late Rev. and Mrs. Toma Yilwatda. His extensive academic background includes specialized training in Digital Systems Engineering, and he has over 29 years of experience working with international development partners, public and private sectors.
Yilwatda is a Christian, married to Dr. Martina Yilwatda Goshwe and has a son Beji Nentawe Goshwe. He lives in Rayfield, Jos South, Plateau State. His career spans academia, where he served as a university professor and ICT director, electoral administration as a former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, and now political leadership at the national level.
His appointment as APC National Chairman marks a significant milestone in Nigerian politics, bringing together his extensive experience in governance, technology, and humanitarian services to lead Africa’s largest political party.
Quick Facts About Nentawe Yilwatda
Details | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda |
Date of Birth | August 8, 1968 |
Age | 57 years (as of 2025) |
Place of Birth | Dungung, Kanke LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria |
State of Origin | Plateau State |
Nationality | Nigerian |
Religion | Christianity (COCIN Church) |
Wife | Dr. Martina Yilwatda Goshwe |
Children | Beji Nentawe Goshwe (Son) |
Current Position | APC National Chairman |
Previous Position | Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction |
Education | PhD in Digital Systems Engineering |
Profession | Engineer, Academic, Politician |
Net Worth | Estimated $1 million |
Early Life and Family Background
Childhood in Plateau State
Nentawe Yilwatda was born on August 8, 1968 in Dungung, Kanke LG to the family of a clergy, Late Rev and Mrs Toma Yilwatda. Growing up in the serene hills of Plateau State, known for its cool climate and beautiful landscapes, his childhood was shaped by strong Christian values and the discipline of a clergy household.
His father, the late Reverend Toma Yilwatda, was a respected church leader whose teachings instilled in young Nentawe the values of honesty, integrity, hard work, and service to others. These foundational principles would later become the bedrock of his professional and political career.
Life in Dungung, a small village in Kanke Local Government Area, taught him the importance of community, simplicity, and perseverance. The rural environment fostered in him an appreciation for grassroots development and the challenges facing ordinary Nigerians, perspectives that would later influence his approach to humanitarian work and politics.
Religious Foundation
As a devoted member of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), his faith has remained central to his identity throughout his life. The church community provided not only spiritual guidance but also a support system that encouraged academic excellence and personal development.
His upbringing in a clergy family meant that service, compassion, and helping the less privileged were not just taught but lived daily. These values are evident in his later work in humanitarian affairs and his commitment to poverty reduction initiatives across Nigeria.
Family Influence on Education
His parents’ emphasis on education as a pathway to personal and societal transformation motivated him to pursue academic excellence from an early age. The supportive family environment created the foundation for what would become an impressive educational journey spanning multiple degrees and international training programs.
Education: Building Academic Excellence
Primary and Secondary Education
Yilwatda’s educational career started with him passing the First School Leaving Certificate at LGED Primary School, Dungung in 1981 and GCE (O/Level) in 1986 from the prestigious Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri.
Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri, is one of Plateau State’s most respected educational institutions, known for producing some of Nigeria’s finest minds. During his time there from 1981 to 1986, Yilwatda distinguished himself academically, laying a strong foundation in sciences and mathematics that would prove crucial for his engineering career.
Undergraduate Studies
He has an extensive academic background, beginning with his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, which he earned in 1992.
His choice to study Electrical/Electronic Engineering reflected his interest in technology and innovation. The Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi provided him with comprehensive training in engineering principles, problem-solving, and practical application of technical knowledge.
During his undergraduate years, he developed particular interests in digital systems, renewable energy, and information technology—areas that would later define his professional specialization and contributions to Nigeria’s technological development.
Postgraduate Education
He went on to obtain a Master of Engineering from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi and later a PhD from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, specialising in Digital Systems Engineering.
His master’s degree from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, deepened his understanding of advanced engineering concepts and research methodologies. This prepared him for the rigors of doctoral studies and academic research.
The PhD program at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, one of Nigeria’s premier institutions, allowed him to specialize in Digital Systems Engineering. His doctoral research contributed original knowledge to the field and established him as an expert in digital technology applications.
International Training and Certifications
His pursuit of knowledge didn’t end there; he also received training in Building Electronic Governance Structure from the United Nations University International Institute for Software Technology in Macau, China.
Beyond formal degrees, Yilwatda has participated in numerous specialized training programs that enhanced his expertise. He received training from the Association of African Universities (AAU) on Sustainable Development in Africa, from AfriNIC in Mauritius on Internet Protocol Address management, and from NetTel@Africa in Nairobi, Kenya on ICT Policy and Regulation.
Additional training from international organizations including the MacArthur Foundation USA, National Universities Commission, UNDP, and the World Bank equipped him with global perspectives on development, governance, and technology implementation.
Professional Career: From Academia to Politics
Early Academic Career (1995-2017)
Dr. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda started his working career as an Assistant Lecturer in 1995, in the Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi after which he moved to the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi as a Graduate Assistant in 1996.
His academic career began at Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, where he taught engineering courses and mentored students. This initial teaching experience helped him develop pedagogical skills and a passion for education that would characterize his entire academic career.
In 1996, he joined the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, starting as a Graduate Assistant and progressively advancing through the academic ranks. Over 25 years at this institution, he made significant contributions to teaching, research, and university administration.
Pioneer Director of ICT
He served the University for 12 years as the pioneer Director of Information and Communication Technology, and member of the University Senate in addition to serving in many committees both in the University and at the national level.
As the pioneer Director of ICT at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Yilwatda revolutionized the university’s digital infrastructure. He served as the director of ICT developing a 10-year ICT strategy plan encompassing ICT architecture and information flows associated with the various functions, processes, and key reports that the system will need to generate on a regular basis.
His 10-year ICT strategic plan transformed how the university managed information, conducted administration, and delivered education. This work positioned him as a leading expert in educational technology and digital transformation in Nigerian universities.
Research and Publications
Throughout his academic career, Yilwatda maintained an active research profile, publishing numerous papers in peer-reviewed journals. His research focused on software engineering, renewable energy technologies, and sustainable development using technology.
He supervised multiple Master’s and Ph.D. students, contributing to the development of the next generation of engineers and researchers. His mentorship extended beyond academics to include guidance on professional development and ethical practice.
Awards and Recognition in Academia
He has been honoured by the University as the best staff of the year, Best Director of the year and also a national project award winner among many other awards.
Yilwatda was among awardees at the Top 50 Digital Economy Leaders event organized by IT Edge News Africa. He was a keynote speaker at the event. This recognition from IT Edge News Africa acknowledged his contributions to Nigeria’s digital economy and technology sector.
His academic achievements earned him promotion to the rank of Professor, the highest academic rank in Nigerian universities. This promotion recognized his scholarly contributions, teaching excellence, and service to the university and profession.
Consultancy and Development Work
Nentawe has participated in some of the leading ICT reforms that enhanced transparency of government accounts and strengthened institutions. He was part of the experts that were engaged between 2003 and 2005 as consultants to work with Alteq Ltd/European Union to conduct a needs assessment and served as project consultants on the first Integrated Financial Management Information System for the Ministry of Finance, CBN, FOS, OAGF, Debt Management Office, OAuGF, National Planning Commission and Budget Office.
This consultancy work gave him deep knowledge of Nigeria’s revenue and financial framework, government regulations, policies, and development opportunities. His expertise in financial systems and governance technology would prove valuable in his later administrative and political roles.
He also worked on the World Bank STEP-B project to implement a Unified Network and ICT Solution for Nigeria Education and Research Network (NgREN), contributing to improving research and educational networking across Nigerian universities.
Energy and Technology Projects
Yilwatda was a member of the Federal Government Energy Research delegation to USA and Canada on two separate occasions to negotiate technology transfer and acquisition opportunities for Nigeria. He subsequently served in the implementation team of the Cuban Government/ECN programme that promoted energy Efficiency in Residential and Public Sector.
His work extended to renewable energy initiatives. He was part of the PAWA 774 project, a private sector-led initiative to deploy clean, eco-friendly electricity using micro-grids to communities. He also worked with Tech-Ville USA to train 100 software and renewable energy engineers in Ondo State for international certifications and human capital export.
Electoral Commission Service (2017-2021)
Appointment as INEC Commissioner
In 2017, he was appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), where he championed reforms such as policy amendments to the Electoral Act, the development of voting frameworks for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and People Living with Disabilities (PWDs), and the integration of technology into Nigeria’s electoral system.
In 2017, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Yilwatda as Benue state resident electoral commissioner. This appointment marked his transition from academia to electoral administration, bringing his technological expertise to improve Nigeria’s electoral processes.
Electoral Innovations and Reforms
To address the prevalence of disenfranchisement of Internally displaced person, Yilwatda was involved in the successful management of voting in IDP camp and for people living with disabilities.
His tenure as Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State was marked by innovative approaches to electoral challenges. He championed the rights of vulnerable populations, ensuring that displaced persons and people with disabilities could exercise their voting rights.
His contributions to electoral technology included advocating for electronic voting systems, improving voter registration processes, and enhancing the transparency and credibility of elections through technological solutions.
Resignation and Political Ambitions
He resigned from this position to contest in the Plateau State gubernatorial primaries of the All Progressives Congress in 2022. In 2021, he stepped down to pursue public service through elective office, contesting as the APC gubernatorial candidate for Plateau State.
This decision to resign from a prestigious federal appointment demonstrated his commitment to seeking elective office and directly serving the people of Plateau State through political leadership.
Political Career: Governor
ial Campaign and Beyond
2023 Gubernatorial Race
In 2023, Yilwatda was the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State, but lost at the poll to Caleb Mutfwang of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Despite winning the APC gubernatorial primary, Yilwatda faced a competitive general election. His campaign focused on technology-driven development, poverty reduction, and inclusive governance. Although he did not win the governorship, his performance in the election demonstrated significant political support and established him as a formidable political figure in Plateau State.
Campaign Coordinator Role
Yilwatda was selected as the coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organization in Plateau state during the 2023 general elections. This role demonstrated the confidence that the APC national leadership had in his organizational abilities and political acumen.
As campaign coordinator, he successfully mobilized support for the Tinubu/Shettima ticket in Plateau State, contributing to the APC’s overall electoral performance in the region. This role strengthened his relationship with President Tinubu and positioned him for future national appointments.
Political Alliances
He and the ex-governor of Plateau state, Simon Lalong maintain a solid relationship. Within the APC, Yilwatda maintains a strong alliance with former Plateau State governor, Simon Lalong.
This strong political alliance with Simon Lalong, who later became a senator and minister, proved crucial to his political advancement. The relationship demonstrated his ability to build and maintain strategic political partnerships.
Ministerial Appointment (October 2024)
Path to Ministry
After Plateau state Ministerial slot became vacant following Lalong’s emergence as the senator representing Plateau South senatorial district, party chieftains and political groups canvassed for Yilwatda to be nominated to replace Lalong.
Party leaders and political groups across Plateau State advocated for his nomination, recognizing his competence, integrity, and capacity to represent the state effectively at the federal level.
Ministerial Screening and Inauguration
He was nominated for the position of a Minister by President Bola Tinubu and upon successful screening by the National Assembly, he was inaugurated as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs on 24 October 2024.
His nomination by President Tinubu and successful screening by the National Assembly demonstrated broad confidence in his capabilities. The appointment to head the Humanitarian Affairs ministry came at a critical time, following controversies that had plagued the ministry under previous leadership.
Ministerial Responsibilities
As Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Yilwatda oversaw programs designed to alleviate poverty, support vulnerable populations, manage humanitarian crises, and coordinate social investment programs across Nigeria.
His background in technology, development work, and understanding of grassroots challenges positioned him well to reform and strengthen the ministry’s operations, improve transparency, and enhance the delivery of humanitarian services to Nigerians in need.
APC National Chairman (July 2025)
Historic Nomination
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda, has emerged as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his nomination and election by the members of the National Executive Committee (NEC). The chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma, nominated him for the position, and the motion was seconded by the speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen.
The nomination by Governor Hope Uzodimma and the seconding by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen demonstrated strong support from key party stakeholders. The unanimous endorsement by the National Executive Committee reflected broad consensus within the party regarding his suitability for the position.
Replacing Abdullahi Ganduje
Aged 56 and from Plateau State, Yilwatda takes over the leadership of the APC from Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned in June, citing personal reasons.
Ganduje’s resignation created a vacuum in party leadership at a critical time, and Yilwatda’s selection brought stability and a fresh perspective to the party’s administration. His emergence as National Chairman from the North-Central zone also addressed regional balance within the party structure.
Acceptance Speech and Vision
In his acceptance speech, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the new National Chairman of the APC, pledged to work diligently to build the party into a strong and respected political institution. Prof. Yilwatda, who will step down from his role as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, called for the support and cooperation of all party members.
His acceptance speech emphasized unity, party expansion, and delivering good governance to Nigerians. He acknowledged the responsibility as both an honor and a burden, demonstrating humility and awareness of the challenges ahead.
Leadership Philosophy
“Look at the body language of Mr. President, soft, calm, and gentle. You can see where he is driving the country’s economy, taking tough decisions where people fear to even discuss,” he responded on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday.
Yilwatda has indicated his intention to follow President Tinubu’s leadership style while being prepared to make tough decisions when necessary. His approach combines consultation, maturity, and strategic thinking.
Party Expansion Strategy
The new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, has vowed to attract more state governors into the ruling party.
His strategy for strengthening the APC includes wooing more governors from opposition parties, particularly the PDP, consolidating the party’s hold on states where governors have recently defected, and expanding membership at the grassroots level across Nigeria.
Career Timeline & Major Milestones
Year | Milestone | Significance |
---|---|---|
1968 | Born in Dungung, Kanke LGA | Beginning of life journey |
1986 | Completed secondary school at Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri | Educational foundation |
1992 | Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering | First degree achievement |
1995 | Started as Assistant Lecturer, Plateau State Polytechnic | Beginning of academic career |
1996 | Joined Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi | Career advancement |
2003-2005 | Consultant for Federal Government IFMIS project | Major consultancy work |
2012 | Awarded Best Director of the Year | Academic recognition |
2017 | Appointed INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Benue | Electoral administration role |
2021 | Resigned from INEC to pursue politics | Career transition |
2022 | Won APC gubernatorial primary, Plateau State | Political milestone |
2023 | APC Governorship candidate & Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Coordinator | Electoral participation |
October 2024 | Appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs | Ministerial role |
July 2025 | Elected APC National Chairman | Party leadership position |
Personal Life: Family and Faith
Marriage and Family
Yilwatda is a Christian, he is married to Dr. Martina Yilwatda Goshwe and has a son Beji Nentawe Goshwe.
His wife, Dr. Martina Yilwatda Goshwe, is a respected professional who has supported his career journey through academia, electoral service, and politics. Their partnership reflects shared values and commitment to family and service.
Their son, Beji Nentawe Goshwe, represents the next generation of the family. Despite his demanding career, Yilwatda has maintained strong family bonds and emphasized the importance of family values in his public life.
Residence
He lives in Rayfield, Jos South, Plateau State. Rayfield is one of the more developed areas of Jos, the Plateau State capital, known for its serene environment and accessibility.
His choice to maintain residence in Plateau State, even while serving in various national capacities, demonstrates his continued connection to his roots and commitment to the state that shaped his early life and career.
Religious Life
As a devoted member of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), his faith remains central to his identity and decision-making. COCIN is one of the largest denominations in Plateau State and the Middle Belt region, with a strong tradition of education and community service.
His religious commitment influences his approach to leadership, emphasizing integrity, service to others, and ethical governance. He regularly participates in church activities and maintains strong ties with the religious community.
Lifestyle and Values
Known for his humility and approachability, Yilwatda maintains a relatively modest lifestyle despite his high-profile positions. Colleagues and associates describe him as soft-spoken, thoughtful, and consultative in his approach to leadership.
His values of hard work, integrity, and service, instilled during his upbringing in a clergy household, continue to guide his personal and professional conduct. He emphasizes education, technology, and inclusive development as pathways to societal transformation.
Philanthropy and Community Development
Educational Support
In 2019, he distributed 112 laptops to indigent students of higher institutions in Pankshin and Kanke.
This initiative demonstrated his commitment to bridging the digital divide and supporting education among disadvantaged students. The provision of laptops enabled students from poor backgrounds to access online learning resources and develop digital literacy skills essential for modern careers.
Agricultural Development
Nentawe is also the co-founder of Bikatki cooperative which supports rural poor farmers to access credit to expand their farms in order to reduce poverty and have sustainable income.
Understanding that agriculture remains the backbone of rural economies in Plateau State, he co-founded this cooperative to provide financial access to smallholder farmers. The initiative helps farmers overcome capital constraints, expand production, and achieve food security and income stability.
Infrastructure Development
He has spearheaded building of classrooms in primary schools for indigent and hard to reach communities, and also participated actively in the development of the community secondary school in his village.
His commitment to educational infrastructure stems from understanding that quality learning environments are essential for academic success. By building classrooms in underserved communities, he has directly impacted thousands of children’s educational opportunities.
His support for the development of the community secondary school in Dungung, his home village, reflects a commitment to giving back to the community that shaped his early years.
Technology and Skills Development
Through various initiatives, Yilwatda has supported technology training programs, renewable energy skills development, and capacity building for young Nigerians. His work with Tech-Ville USA to train software and renewable energy engineers exemplifies his commitment to human capital development.
Professional Memberships and Affiliations
Yilwatda holds membership in several professional and technical organizations that reflect his expertise and standing in the engineering and technology community:
- Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) – Registered Engineer
- Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)
- Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE)
- Solar Society of Nigeria
- Association of African Universities (AAU)
These memberships demonstrate his commitment to professional development, adherence to engineering ethics, and contribution to advancing the engineering profession in Nigeria.
Net Worth and Financial Profile
As of 2025, Nentawe Yilwatda has an estimated net worth of around $1 million. His wealth comes from many years of teaching, working with international organisations, leading government programs, and taking on leadership roles in politics.
His wealth accumulation reflects a career built on legitimate professional activities including:
- Academic Salary: Over 25 years as a university lecturer and professor
- Consultancy Fees: Work with international organizations, government agencies, and development partners
- Allowances and Benefits: From positions as INEC Commissioner and federal minister
- Professional Practice: Engineering consultancy and technology projects
Unlike many Nigerian politicians, Yilwatda’s wealth profile reflects moderate accumulation from professional service rather than excessive political enrichment. His financial standing is considered modest for someone of his professional stature and political position.
Legacy and Impact
Academic Contributions
Yilwatda’s 25-year academic career has left an indelible mark on the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. His 10-year ICT strategic plan transformed the university’s digital infrastructure and set standards for technology integration in Nigerian universities.
He trained and mentored hundreds of engineering students, many of whom now occupy significant positions in Nigeria’s technology sector, public service, and private industry. His research publications continue to be cited and have contributed to knowledge advancement in digital systems engineering.
Electoral Reforms
His tenure at INEC introduced innovations in electoral administration, particularly in ensuring inclusivity for displaced persons and people with disabilities. His advocacy for technology in elections helped strengthen the credibility and transparency of Nigeria’s electoral processes.
Humanitarian Vision
As Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, though his tenure was brief before assuming party leadership, he brought a fresh perspective focused on transparency, technology-driven service delivery, and genuine poverty reduction rather than political patronage.
Political Leadership
His emergence as APC National Chairman represents a new model of party leadership—one based on competence, integrity, and broad consultation rather than solely on political patronage or regional power plays.
Controversies and Challenges
Gubernatorial Election Dispute
He challenged the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party in Plateau State 2023 gubernatorial election at the court. After the apex court ruled in favor of the People’s Democratic Party, Yilwatda accepted the judgement.
Following his loss in the 2023 Plateau gubernatorial election, Yilwatda exercised his legal right to challenge the results through the courts. His willingness to accept the final court ruling, even though unfavorable, demonstrated his respect for democratic institutions and the rule of law.
This mature acceptance of judicial decisions, rather than inciting violence or making inflammatory statements, set a positive example for democratic conduct in Nigeria’s often contentious political environment.
Ministry Transition
His appointment as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs came after the ministry had been rocked by corruption allegations involving his predecessors. Taking over such a ministry required navigating public skepticism while implementing necessary reforms.
The brief tenure as minister before moving to party chairman meant that many of his reform initiatives in the ministry remained incomplete. However, his reputation for integrity helped restore some public confidence in the ministry.
Interesting Facts About Nentawe Yilwatda
- Technology Pioneer: He was the pioneer Director of ICT at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, serving for 12 years and completely transforming the university’s digital infrastructure.
- International Experience: He traveled to the USA and Canada multiple times as part of federal government energy research delegations, negotiating technology transfer opportunities for Nigeria.
- Youngest in Leadership: At 57 years old when appointed APC National Chairman, he represents a relatively younger generation of party leadership compared to traditional Nigerian political patterns.
- Academic-Politician Hybrid: He is one of the few Nigerian politicians who maintained an active academic career alongside political involvement, holding the rank of Professor.
- Electoral Innovator: During his INEC tenure, he pioneered voting frameworks for Internally Displaced Persons and People Living with Disabilities, ensuring inclusive electoral participation.
- Energy Expert: Beyond digital systems, he has extensive experience in renewable energy projects, including training engineers for international certification and working on micro-grid electricity deployment.
- Humble Beginnings: From a small village in Kanke Local Government Area, he rose to lead Nigeria’s largest political party—a true grassroots-to-national leadership story.
- Quick Political Rise: His journey from leaving INEC in 2021 to becoming APC National Chairman in 2025 represents a remarkably rapid political ascent based on competence and strategic positioning.
Conclusion
Nentawe Yilwatda’s biography is a compelling narrative of how dedication, education, integrity, and service can transform an individual from humble rural origins to national leadership. His journey from Dungung village through academic excellence, technological innovation, electoral administration, and now to the pinnacle of party politics in Nigeria embodies the possibilities of merit-based advancement.
As APC National Chairman, he faces the enormous responsibility of managing Africa’s largest political party, coordinating governance across more than 20 APC-controlled states, and positioning the party for future electoral success. His background in technology, governance, and humanitarian service brings unique perspectives to this role.
His life story teaches several valuable lessons: the transformative power of education, the importance of maintaining integrity in public service, the value of technological expertise in modern governance, and the possibility of rising through merit rather than solely through political patronage.
Whether judged by his academic achievements, electoral innovations, humanitarian commitments, or political leadership, Yilwatda has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and dedication to Nigeria’s development. His continued service in national leadership positions promises ongoing contributions to Nigeria’s democratic consolidation and development trajectory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How old is Nentawe Yilwatda?
Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda was born on August 8, 1968, making him 57 years old as of 2025.
2. Who is Nentawe Yilwatda’s wife?
He is married to Dr. Martina Yilwatda Goshwe, a respected professional, and they have one son named Beji Nentawe Goshwe.
3. What is Nentawe Yilwatda’s current position?
Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda has emerged as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in July 2025, replacing Abdullahi Ganduje.
4. What is Nentawe Yilwatda’s educational background?
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi in 1992, obtained a Master of Engineering from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi and a PhD from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, specialising in Digital Systems Engineering.